Spatial distribution and seroprevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Newcastle disease (ND) is a major viral disease of economic importance in poultry and rated as one of the greatest constraints to the development of poultry production in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the spatial distribution and seroprevalence of Newcastle in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods and materials: In this study, spatial distribution of ND antibodies was determined using the Geographic Information System (GIS). A total of 400 serum samples were collected from chickens in districts around Kaduna Metropolis and screened for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies using haemagglutination inhibition tested according to the procedure of OIE (2002). Results: Spatial distribution showed that the highest antibody titre of Newcastle disease was closely associated with communities that were at entry points (Zaria – Kaduna road; Nnamdi Azikiwe bye-pass road; Television garage; Abuja – Kaduna expressway and Kachia road) to the metropolis and houses that are closely situated near live bird markets signifying the importance of bird movement in the spread of the disease. There were variations in poultry distribution patterns between various communities. Poultry sampled were more concentrated in communities that have a cluster settlement pattern, while communities that are having a linear settlement pattern have low population of poultry. Antibody titre level of Newcastle disease was higher in communities that are at entry points to the metropolis and. About 31% (124 of 400) of chickens had antibodies to NDV, with exotics breeds (32.0%) with more NDV antibodies than local breeds (29.8%). The ND prevalence was 33.9% (39 out of 115), 31.8% (41 out of 129) and 28.2% (44 out of 156) for Kaduna North, Kaduna South and Chikun Local Government Areas respectively. Newcastle disease prevalence of 29.8% (54 out of 181) was recorded in local chickens while 32.0% (70 out of 219) was obtained from exotic chickens. Conclusion: Newcastle disease is endemic in both local and exotic poultry with a higher spatial distribution around entry points into Kaduna Metropolis. There is a need for awareness and routine vaccination of poultry against newcastle disease especially around bordering communities.